22 La Cuesta represents old Orinda at its very finest, combining the historic charm of a 1940 home located in the exclusive Country Club area with the finest of modern amenities. The home is located steps away from picturesque Lake Cascade and surrounded by views of beautiful, verdant hillsides. The master builder, who is the current owner of this home, has plans for new homes that will be built on the lot immediately adjacent and lot down below from this property, which will be accessed from Camino Sobrante. Neither will share the private driveway, and both will be built commensurate with the quality of homes in this exclusive neighborhood of Orinda.
The 3359 square-foot (per measurement) custom residence is nestled on a prime. 23 acre with double iron gates opening to beautifully landscaped grounds. The formal entry leads to a stunning great room with soaring open beam ceilings and wonderful views from windows on three sides, as well as a gas fireplace with marble surround for chilly winter days. The adjacent dining room has French doors opening to a spacious veranda, facilitating seamless indoor and outdoor entertaining. Both rooms feature rich wooden flooring.
The kitchen is an epicurean’s delight, with a large central island, ample custom cabinetry, granite counters, and top quality stainless steel appliances, including Fagor five burner induction cooktop, KitchenAid double ovens plus separate microwave, Miele dishwasher, and Subzero refrigerator. There is an adjacent sunny breakfast room, spacious walk-in pantry, and convenient side entrance door. A newly renovated powder room completes this level of the home.
The primary suite is a true retreat with pastoral lake view. The spa like bathroom has double vanities, tub with gorgeous view, separate shower, and bidet/commode. The sunny walk-in closet has a stacked washer/dryer, providing a convenient alternative to the laundry room In the downstairs bedroom wing.
The lower level of the home has a versatile family/media room with heat generating gas fireplace, theatre surround sound, and sliding doors leading to the expansive side patio. There is a small fourth bedroom that adjoins the family room, as well as a delightful office alcove. Two well appointed bedrooms, a central bathroom, and large laundry room that has plenty of space for future wine cellar or simply additional storage, are also to be found on this level.
Additional amenities include solid core interior doors, built-in speakers in public rooms, primary bedroom, and deck, radiant heated floors in kitchen and bathroom, security alarm system, and an electronic air purifier. Energy saving features include almost new heat pump providing three individually controlled zones of heat and air-conditioning, dual pane windows throughout, 18 owned solar panels, and Tesla power wall for back up in event of power outage.
The unparalleled location of this prime property affords wonderful recreational opportunity, as neighborhood residents often include a walk around beautiful Lake Cascade as part of their daily routine. Proximity to Orinda Village with its charming shops and restaurants, as well as easy access to BART and freeway, are added advantages of this sought after neighborhood. While the historical antecedents of this home date back to the early days of the Orinda Country Club, the thoughtful and beautifully executed improvements of the last several years have made 22 La Cuesta a wonderful place for modern day functional family living— truly, a home to be cherished for generations.
